Most of us have it—that drawer full of cords used to charge the various electronic devices used in our daily lives: phones, tablet computers and handheld games to name a few. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to eliminate these cords? Well there is: wireless power.

Imagine a world where you can charge your smartphone by simply laying it down on the table at your favorite café. Charge your Bluetooth headset by dropping it into your car’s arm rest. Top off the battery in your tablet computer by placing it on your desk. Qualcomm® WiPower™, based on the principal of inductive magnetic resonance, can make it all possible.

Inductive magnetic resonance? Nikola Tesla began experimenting with it in the later half of the 19th century. Today, the best example of this technology is the cordless electric toothbrush. Qualcomm has developed WiPower technology to move wireless power beyond the bathroom. WiPower represents the next generation of wireless power and Qualcomm envisions WiPower being used by some of the most common portable electronic products, such as Bluetooth headsets, smartphones and tablets.

Now, in a major milestone, Qualcomm has begun shipping on an evaluation basis the next generation of wireless power to partners via the new WiPower Evaluation Kit. This kit provides developers with certain WiPower documentation and equipment so they can evaluate the potential use of those items to design products that incorporate WiPower technology. To learn more, or request a kit, email info@wipower.com.

WiPower is designed to permit a third party to develop products that are compatible with the wireless charging specification approved in January 2013, by the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP), and provides the ability to charge multiple devices at the same time when they are placed on or in close proximity to a single charging surface; even if they are of different types that require a different power outlay (i.e., you can simultaneously charge your phone and headset). Also, WiPower charging stations can be installed into most existing furniture without the need to cut through the wood. Installation can be as simple as affixing the station under the table with a couple of screws.

The ability to charge through surfaces is a key to wireless power becoming ubiquitous and universally available, and the spatial freedom demonstrated by WiPower and the A4WP is a sure way to get there. Other wireless power technologies require direct contact between the charging surface and the device being charged. This would mean retail establishments wanting to add wireless power need to either install new furniture with the technology pre-installed, or physically alter existing furniture, which can be both costly and messy. WiPower, which can charge through most surfaces up to about 45 millimeters, offers retailers a cleaner, more efficient way to adopt wireless charging.

For wireless power to truly take off, a simple and easy technology is needed at its core. Qualcomm believes WiPower is the answer.

Qualcomm WiPowerWireless Charging40April 26, 2013The Next Generation of Wireless Power is Happening TodayThe Next Generation of Wireless Power is Happening Today